DS AUTOMOBILES news.

Following the launch of the uprated DS 5 earlier this year, a new, smaller capacity automatic model has been added to the line-up, and featuring the 118bhp 1.6-litre BlueHDi engine. Paired exclusively to Elegance trim, the newcomer costs Ј27,180 and represents a price premium of Ј1,200 compared to the manual gearbox car. Fitted with a six-speed torque-converter equipped automatic transmission, it emits 108g/km of CO2 and is capable of 68.9mpg at optimum conditions on the combined fuel economy cycle. The new two-pedal version of the DS 5 is ready for customers to order now.

MINI news.

A new limited run MINI Countryman has been announced wearing the unimaginative name of ‘Special Edition’. Just 250 examples will be made, all finished in Absolute Black metallic paired with a Space Grey roof and mirror caps, the first time that this colour combination has been available on the Countryman. 18-inch alloy wheels are standard, along with ALL4 four-wheel-drive, a navigation system, Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity, heated front seats, climate control and Xenon headlights, while on the inside there’s piano black appliquйs and black leather upholstery. Offered exclusively in Cooper SD guise in diesel form, the price of the Cooper SD ALL4 Special Edition costs Ј29,710, with the automatic edition priced at Ј30,890. This represents an increase of Ј3,830 compared to the standard model. Order banks are open now at MINI retailers.

Leoncino.

Given how popular the scrambler look has become of late, it is of little surprise that Benelli have resurrected the Leoncino name with this scrambler-esque motorbike. This stylised bike even features the lion of Pesaro (Benelli’s home town) on the front mudguard, a throwback to the original bike that bore the same name. Power comes from a totally new liquid-cooled four-valve DOHC 500-cc twin-cylinder engine that has an output rating of 47.6 PS at 8,500 RPM and 45 Nm of maximum twist force at 4,500 RPM. Transmission is, of course, via a six-speed gearbox. The Leoncino’s chassis comprises the trademark Benelli trellis; the front end with 50-mm USD forks while the at the rear there is an offset monoshock with adjustment for spring preload and hydraulic rebound damping. Stopping power comes from a pair of 320-mm dia rotors with radial four-piston callipers and a single 260-mm dia rotor with twin-piston callipers. For those of you who couldn’t go to EICMA, this wonderful looking machine will also grace the Benelli stall at the forthcoming Auto Expo next February according to the company’s top management.